It is now common to use spod rods to launch Spombs and bait up feeders for bream up to 80m out! So, if you are at all serious about your fishing, investing in a bespoke baiting up rod will be worth it.
For big natural bream waters like Ferry Meadows I use the purpose-built 12ft Guru rod with a beefy 280g casting weight.
Such a tool has to punch a big loaded feeder long distances, while a quick tip speed, which my rod also has, helps to empty the feeder quickly once it hits the desired spot.
Next up is reel choice, which is basically a mini big pit model that’s ideal for the task. I have a Daiwa Emblem 25 that does the job perfectly without breaking the bank.
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Always use braid
On to my reel goes 0.16mm Guru braid, which has a 30lb breaking strain. This allows me to empty the feeder a lot more cleanly than would be the case with stretchy monofilament.
The feeders I use are the Guru Bait X-Change Bait Up Feeder and the Bait Up Window Feeder. The former is weight adjustable and tapered, to empty cleanly. You can swap the weights around on this design, and don’t be afraid to use 40g or even 50g in a big crosswind.
It’s always best to go slightly heavier than you think you will need. There are two sizes in the range, with either six or seven holes. Which feeder I use basically depends how much bait I want to put in.
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Windows for particles
I use the window feeder version to put a lot of particles down, such as chopped worms or casters. It will get my bait to the bottom before it releases its contents – very effective in deep water – and will cast a lot further than the X-Change feeder as it’s more aerodynamic. If I want to bait at 90m I’ll normally opt for a window on the basis that it makes casting far easier.
ONCE YOU HAVE BAITED UP YOUR SWIM, USE ONE OF THESE FANTASTIC FEEDER RIGS OVER THE TOP.
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Keep it tight
Once you have sorted your set-up and feeder choice, the next step is baiting up itself, which is pretty simple. You clip up at the distance you want to bait up at, then cast there and empty the feeder once it hits the lakebed.
The best way to get a good clean release is to let the feeder hit the bottom, then wind down to it and give the rod two or three quick mini half-strikes. This helps to empty the feeder exactly where it lands, as opposed to dragging bait back as you go to reel in.
Once you get used to this you can also empty a few feeders up in the water. The way to do this is exactly the same, but you wind down and strike as soon as the feeder hits the water. This way it empties virtually on the surface, and you get a column of bait falling through the water. This can help to pull fish into the swim, and you get a better spread of bait doing it this way.
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Mix it up
Often, if the venue isn’t too deep say, upto 10ft, I will put 10 bait-up feeders in at the off. Six on the bottom and four on the surface will mix it up a bit.
I should add that I wouldn’t try to bait up on the surface if it was 20ft deep, as I’d have no real idea where my bait was ending up! It’s purely an approach for 10ft of water or less.
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